Few hours after our son was born, I took him away from the palace. Since it was dark, it was easy for me to sneak out without anyone noticing. I took the baby out of the city gate, there, I handled him over to Ismael, one of my guards.
" Take this child and get rid of him. I want you to do a clean Job, make sure you leave no trace." I said, handling over the child to him."
" But Milord, whose child is this?" He asked. It was obvious he was confused. Who wouldn't be. I sent for him in the middle of the night to meet me outside of the city gate. He had no idea why I sent for him, only to be given a child to get rid of. Anyone in his shoes will be confused.
" The child's identity is non of your business. You should do as you're told." I reprimanded.
" Forgive me your highness" He said with his head down.
" Here is twelve talent of gold. I have made preparation for you and your family to leave Sheba before dawn. After you get rid of the child, I want you to disappear."
" Yes Milord" He responded unsure of what he was asked to do.
" You should leave now. Your family will join you shortly. I've made preparation for a new place for you. You and your family will live in Pehu from now on. And remember, we never met.
He made a slight bow before saddling his horse. I watched him as his back disappeared in the darkness.
* * * *
" I need to leave now, Moana. You and the kids will join me shortly."
" Where are you going to Ismael? Why are you packing?"
" I have no time to explain, woman. You should start packing up. We're leaving before dawn." He said while packing.
" Why are we moving? Where are we going to Ismael? Are you in some kind of danger, is that the reason you want us to move?" She questioned, watching, while her husband packed.
" I don't have time to explain. You should do as I say. If anyone asks you about my where about, tell them you haven't seen or heard from me for a while. Do I make myself clear?"
" Yes...but...I don't understand what's going on. You want us to leave our home in the middle of the night like thieves."
" I don't have time for your blathering. Some men will come later tonight to pick you and the kids. You should go with them. Don't worry, they're friends." He said, walking out of the room without hesitation.
* * * *
" I can't do it. May the gods forbid it. What have this innocent child done. No, I can't kill him." He said, putting down the knife. He looked at the child in his hands, so pure and innocent. What was his offense that he should be rubbed of his right to live.
" I don't know why his majesty wants you dead. But I refuse to take your life, my child." He said, looking at the baby in his hands who was sleeping peacefully. Although he was colored, he was good looking. Ismael felt compassion for the child. He could not take his life.
" What will I do? The king had asked me to disappear after killing the child. If he finds out that I didn't kill the child, he would be devastated. He might kill me and my entire family. I can't raise him, Moana might ask questions. Should I abandoned him here in the forest? No! I can't. He might die of starvation or perhaps eaten up by a wide animal. That is too brutal for a child." He comteplated for a while, suddenly a thought crossed his mind.
" Slave marchants. Yes, I should sell him. At least he would be bought and taken care of by someone. I will sell him to the slave marchants from the eastern kingdom. No one will be able to trace him." He concluded.